For the first time in years, the Super Bowl took place at a time of relative national calm, unlike the air of uncertainty during last year's game, when America stood at an economic and political crossroads. The game featured some 55 commercials that cost 40 advertisers $3.8 million to $4 million per 30-second slot for the airtime on the CBS broadcast, which was expected to be watched by up to 111 million viewers.

Which commercials did the best? According to USA Today's AdMeter, we favored ads that told a simple story with a wisp of wonder. Folks wanted ads that made them feel good. Take a look.